I am straight up rejoicing because I am SO proud of my #SlayTheMicprogram! I went from offering only one package, to offering multiple packages, to signing up my first international client in NEW ZEALAND! It has become obvious to me that:

People want help becoming more confident when speaking in front of others.

They want to explore new leadership opportunities.

They want to amplify their voices and be heard!

They want to #SlayTheMic too!

I never even thought of offering my program to small businesses and organizations until I started receiving referrals from current client's who told their employers about what they were doing. Wow, look at how the Universe works! It was clearly a sigh that I had to take the program to another level and well.... Ta-da!

Watch the promo video below! Questions/Comments/Ready to Book?!Hit the contact tab and let's get talking

In 16 days, I'll be 30.3-0T-H-I-R-T-Y.I'm actually extremely excited because it's motivating me to look at my lifestyle and see where I need to improve - and it's beyond obvious I'm slacking in the self care department.I recently discovered ArtNaturals and I'm so happy I did because I was going broke buying 3 essential oils from Sage. At first it was their prices that drew me in (this set is $20 on Amazon!) but as I tested out their products, their quality won me over.As many of you know, I'm always on the go which interfers sometimes with my health and wellness. The beautiful people over at ArtNaturals had the perfect product for me to try that would help me bring my love for essential oils everywhere I go! From the classroom to the stage, I'm prepared!Overall, these rollerballs get an A+ for me but watch my review below and see what I loved the most!

Look out for more of my reviews both here and on Insta at @Iamjamgamble, as there's a few products I have my eye on!

​At this very moment somewhere around the world, someone is squealing with delight because they just got engaged.

Maybe you're one of those people who just said, "OMG! YES!" I want your attention.Before it's really kicked in that you're on your way down the aisle, I bet you've already created your wedding inspiration Pinterest Board, picked out the crew for your bridal party, and already have 5 venue visits lined up.

But what about hiring a MC for your reception? Have you ever thought about that or were you thinking of going with your Uncle or your bestie who, let's be honest, really can't be trusted after a few? Here's why you SHOULDN'T ask one of your guests to be your MC:

While it may be a great honour for them when you ask a friend/family member to MC at your wedding, it will also be a burden for you...and for them.​Your guests want to celebrate you and your big day! If their day job doesn't involve hosting, it will probably be overwhelming for them to coordinate with vendors, catch any problems before they happen, and follow a very tight schedule. I can almost guarantee that you will be watching them closely to ensure everything is running smoothly.

So basically....let your friends/family do their one job: Be-your-guest (insert Beauty and the Beast here)

Allow me to give you 5 solid reasons why you should hire me to lead your reception:

1. CAN WE SAY #RECEPTIONGOALS?Your guests won’t have THE best time you want them to have without an experienced entertainer who can read the crowd and keep the momentum going. You have a vision for your reception. You want your guests to be talking about it for days and weeks to come.

Believe me when I say, I can make that happen. Completing your reception vision is what I aim to do.

2. I'M EXPERIENCED IN CHANNELING THE FLOW OF EVENTS I meet with you and your partner to cover the entire event in detail, ensuring that's going to make your reception perfect is covered. I can recommend timelines, suggest ways to enhance the event and provide you with suggestions you may not have heard that can create a unique feel. This organization carries throughout the night because I have a clear indication of how the evening should run and what your expectations are.

3. I BRING YOUR GUESTS TOGETHER Distant relatives, friends out from out of town, young and old - doesn't matter how they are/aren't connected, I want everyone in that room to feel like they’re family. Through our pre-wedding consultation, I will gather information about who's attending so I know about your guests. Having that vital information helps me ensure that the flow of good vibes, laughter, and connection is flowing from beginning to end.

4. I'M A PRO IN KEEPING YOUR SQUAD IN CHECKWho will direct your bridal party and family at the ceremony? Who’s going to line them up for introductions? Who’s in charge of making sure the toasts, special dances and dedications go without a hitch? What about reminding them to keep their speeches short, sweet, AND APPROPRIATE?ME.

5. POINT BLANK ... I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING It's more than just being able to #SlayTheMic. A large part of being a MC involves audience management. Being able to manage a room with 60+ people is not an easy task and given my track record of event hosting and speaking engagements, I’m qualified to take on the job.​I remember the magic I felt on my wedding day and I still can feel how sore my feet were from dancing and cheeks were from smiling so hard. If you hire me, I want to bring that same feeling to you.

Have questions? Want to see if my energy is right for your reception? Let’s schedule a meeting.Hit the contact tab and let’s plan a date.

When you look at this photo, what is the first thing you think? First thought for me: "I'm owning the Distillery District."I've mentioned before how much public photoshoots intimidate me but every time I look at the finished product, I see myself looking strong, confident and capable.

​2016 taught me that.

Lesson 1: " Sell Yourself Because No One Else Will."

This year I took a bold step in branding myself #SlayerOfTheMic. In various posts, tweets, and videos, I professed that I was what events needed. That I was the person who would make sure your attendees left raving about their experience.

Do I have a booking agent? No.Do I work with a PR company? Nope.Does someone manage my social media? No way.

If I wanted to get my name out there, I had to hustle. First of all, I needed to believe in my capabilities and that sometimes could be the hardest thing. Research shows that people who are comfortable with promoting themselves are not only more successful in landing a job from an interview, or in my case, being booked for a speaking engagements, but go on to build stronger networks — within their organization and outside of it — and are more successful in business and throughout their careers. The key word here is comfortable. Ask yourself this: Do you know people should hire you or do you want people to hire you? Are you comfortable enough in your abilities to sell yourself? If you answered no to any of these questions, make it your priority in 2017 to change that way of thinking.

2016 reminded me that I didn't have to be current 24/7 to be relevant. ​

Lesson 2: Compare Less, Celebrate More.This is an everyday lesson. You can be having a grand ol' day and the minute you open some form of social media; you are bombarded with reminders that someone else is doing better than you. Once upon a time, I would totally deny that feeling but then I decided to be honest with myself and acknowledge the occasional feeling of not being enough. In my big Jam bubble, I know I am enough, but that's definitely not an everyday emotion. As a woman in business, media, and education, it's very easy to solely focus on staying on top and running yourself dry. 2016 reminded me that I didn't have to be current 24/7 to be relevant. Jealousy and envy are natural human emotions to experience. It becomes an issue when you let it consume you. I've learned how to self-reflect in moments like this. I take a moment or 5, to acknowledge why I'm feeling this way (who I'm focusing on, what about it is bothering me, etc.) then take 10 minutes to recognize what I'm doing in my life that needs to celebrated. When I stop to think about my achievements, even the smallest ones, it brings me back to a place of balance. I no longer let the feeling of inadequacy consume me.

​

Lesson 3: Self-Care is More Important Than My Business.

This is called a facial... LOL

Once again I found myself this year shaking my head at people who were using their platforms to encourage people to run themselves dry. Why do people believe that this is the best solution to achieve your goals?

​I-just-don't-get-it.

​Although I wasn't adopting this mindset, I was slacking on showing myself some TLC. I am very fortunate to have wonderful benefits that allows me to go for regular massages. Have I been using them? This is a luxury many don't have and it's actually terrible that I'm letting it go to waste. So, I have a new attitude for 2017 (don't we all the during the first week of January? Haha) From regular appointments, to eating less at restaurants, I understand that my health is my wealth. I've been sharing this message a lot these past few weeks as I know some people need the reminder as well. Just like I said earlier about selling yourself: if you won't do it for yourself, no one will do it for you. The same rule applies for self-care. I don't want to sound like the Debbie Downer of 2017, but our time is not guaranteed. Use the days you have to love and nurture the vessel that is going to carry you through your life adventures.

Lesson 4: Sometimes You Just Need To Walk Away.

My Mom used to tell me when I was younger, "Jay, don't open a present that doesn't have your name on it." I finally understood this lesson this year. I was asked by a friend to collaborate on a project. This was something I felt would introduce me to a new audience and help me grow as a public figure/media personality. There were many signs along the way telling me to STOP. DO NOT PASS GO. DO NOT COLLECT $200, and most importantly, do not proceed as this really isn’t good for your brand. I had so many mixed emotions but didn’t want to let go because I thought that this opportunity would really help me break out (even after everything I’ve achieved on my own).Well, when the promotional material was set to be released, my jaw dropped. I had to make the decision once and for all, am I holding on or letting go? To be completely honest, I didn’t want to let go because I didn’t want to let the person down. I put their feelings before mine. But in the words of the great Beyoncé, “Tell them boy bye.” Not every opportunity is a good opportunity and not everything that shimmers is gold. I was proud of myself for walking away. I felt a pressure lifted off my body and once again I felt in control of my decisions.

Lesson 5: Leap.

Leap, Jam! Leap! This was a constant reminder I picked up from other incredible women I learned from this year. I thank them for being sources of support and encouragement!2016 has been so rewarding because I took those chances of faith. I understand that this frame of mind isn't easy for everyone. It’s only natural to overestimate the possibility of failure and underestimate our ability to handle the situation should something go amiss. That’s the fear sitting on your shoulder whispering in your ear. By learning how to leap, I learned how to ignore the whispers and have enough courage to make choices that can ultimately improve my life. I like to say, if it doesn't bring shame to my mother, go against my values/beliefs, then it's a risk worth taking!

​​So let 2017 be your year to leap. Look at the possibilities rather than outcomes and applaud yourself every time you take a step. I'll be cheering for you. Cheers to another year of lessons, of growth, and of happiness!-Jam

Oh, yes! I'm coming to your wedding along with my best dress and a whole lot of energy!

Now that you've said yes to your significant other, say YAS to booking me as your reception Emcee! Aside from guaranteeing that you and your guests will be laughing and dancing from beginning to end, I understand the importance of audience management during the most memorable moments of the evening.

Guests talking during your speeches? ❌ Not happening!

Friends at the bar turning up when they should be turning down during your entry? ❌ Not on my watch.

By the end of our FREE consultation, it will feel like I was the friend who introduced you and your partner in the first place! Comfort and trust is my promise to you💍

Whether it's you or a friend, Book me for your reception today and see for yourself why I'm #SlayerOfTheMic